New Zealand vs South Africa – Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra’s Century:
New Zealand vs South Africa – In a thrilling start to the series, New Zealand took charge on the opening day of the 1st Test against South Africa at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. After an early wobble, Williamson and Ravindra put on a brilliant partnership of 219 runs, guiding New Zealand to a commanding position at stumps with a score of 258/2.
The day began with excitement as debutant Tshepo Moreki struck early, dismissing Devon Conway leg before wicket on the very first ball of his Test career. Dane Peterson further bolstered South Africa’s position, claiming the wicket of Tom Latham soon after.
| Day | Event | South Africa Decision | New Zealand 1st Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stumps | Opt to bowl | 258-2 (86 Ov) |
New Zealand 1st Innings:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Latham | 20 | 48 | 4 | 0 | 41.67 |
| Devon Conway | 12 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Kane Williamson | 112 | 259 | 15 | 0 | 43.24 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 118 | 211 | 13 | 1 | 55.92 |
Extras: 7 (b 0, lb 1, w 2, nb 4, p 0)
Total: 258 (2 wkts, 86 Ov)
Yet to Bat: Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee (c), Matt Henry
Fall of Wickets:
- 2-1 (Devon Conway, 1.1)
- 39-2 (Tom Latham, 16.5)
Bowling Figures:
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duanne Olivier | 19 | 3 | 62 | 0 | 3.30 |
| Tshepo Moreki | 22 | 2 | 81 | 1 | 3.70 |
| Dane Paterson | 22 | 3 | 59 | 1 | 2.70 |
| Ruan de Swardt | 14 | 4 | 24 | 0 | 1.70 |
| Neil Brand (c) | 9 | 3 | 31 | 0 | 3.40 |
However, the tide turned when Ravindra and Williamson joined forces. Despite some chances created by South Africa’s bowlers, including missed opportunities and unsuccessful reviews, the duo stood firm. Ravindra, in particular, showcased his talent with a maiden Test century, while Williamson notched up his 30th Test hundred.
Even as South Africa’s bowlers toiled tirelessly, their efforts were thwarted by New Zealand’s resilience. Captain Neil Brand’s occasional spin bowling failed to make an impact as Williamson and Ravindra remained unscathed, reaching their milestones without letting their focus waver.
As the day drew to a close, Williamson’s pull shot for a boundary off Moreki brought up his century, while Ravindra followed suit shortly after. With the pair’s unbeaten partnership, New Zealand looks poised to extend their dominance on day 2, aiming to post a formidable total against South Africa’s inexperienced XI.
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